The Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election is scheduled to take place on 9 September. The campus has already taken on a festive atmosphere, with curiosity mounting over who will become the next Vice-President (VP) and General Secretary (GS). But an equally intriguing question remains: how much do they actually receive in financial benefits?
Investigations reveal that neither the VP nor the GS receive any formal salary. Instead, they are provided with a one-off allocation during their tenure to support operational expenses such as refreshments, meetings, assemblies, and other essential needs.
The total allocation is 10 lakh Bangladeshi Taka, divided equally between the two posts:
| Position | Allocation (BDT) |
| Vice-President (VP) | 500,000 |
| General Secretary (GS) | 500,000 |
| Total | 1,000,000 |
Former GS Golam Rabbani explained: “The allocation for the VP and GS is 10 lakh taka. During my tenure, I withdrew 2 lakh taka, and 3 lakh taka still remains with DUCSU. That amount will be handed over to the new committee.”
He further added that, when necessary, part of this allocation is used to provide financial assistance to students.
The importance of the VP and GS roles lies far more in their status and authority than in financial remuneration. Both office bearers become members of Dhaka University’s two highest policy-making bodies—the Senate and the Syndicate.
This grants them the opportunity to represent thousands of students and place their demands before influential national figures, who also sit on these bodies.
Role in Decision-Making
- They participate equally in decision-making alongside other members.
- They are involved in critical matters such as budget planning, development projects, convocations, and selection boards.
- Their presence is also ensured when making sensitive decisions regarding appointments or removals within the university.
While there is no regular salary or monthly stipend, certain benefits do exist:
- They receive a specific allowance when attending Senate or Syndicate meetings.
- On special occasions, they may also be granted an honorarium by the university authorities for carrying out additional responsibilities.
Ultimately, the VP and GS positions are far less about economic gain and much more about leadership, prestige, and influence. These roles symbolise the power and voice of the student body within the country’s most prestigious academic institution.
